What does our research say about SD Bullion?

Hidden Fees and Extra Charges

Customers have reported that SD Bullion advertises low premiums on precious metals but imposes hidden fees during the purchasing process. These include unexpected shipping fees, storage fees, and payment processing fees—up to 4% for credit card or PayPal transactions. Additionally, the company’s storage service, SD Depository, initially appears cost-effective, but monthly fees accumulate quickly, making it more expensive than advertised. Customers attempting to withdraw their metals from storage have faced long delays and high fees.

Delivery Issues and Product Authenticity Concerns

Numerous customers have experienced delayed shipments, with some reporting that their orders were never delivered despite being marked as shipped. There are also allegations of receiving counterfeit or substandard products. In one instance, a customer claimed to have received fake silver products, raising serious concerns about the authenticity of the items sold by SD Bullion.

Poor Customer Service and Harassment

Clients have reported inadequate customer support, with difficulties in reaching representatives and resolving issues. Some customers who attempted to cancel orders due to errors or dissatisfaction were met with threats of legal action or harassment. For example, one customer canceled an order due to incorrect pricing, only to receive legal threats from the company.

Legal Actions and Questionable Business Practices

SD Bullion has faced legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed in March 2021 (Sanchez vs. SD Bullion, Inc.) alleging that their website was not accessible per the WCA. Additionally, the company’s co-founder and president, Tyler Wall, has been scrutinized for marketing low-cost metals without fully disclosing hidden costs, leading to questions about his business ethics.

Risk Assessment

Given these issues, SD Bullion presents a significant risk to potential investors and customers. The combination of hidden fees, delivery problems, poor customer service, and legal challenges suggests a pattern of unethical behavior.